The Battlefields - Legends of the Zulu Kingdom

Ladysmith's Cultural and Historical Attractions

zoom The Siege of Ladysmith made world headlines.

Battles and Sites

The Siege of Ladysmith:
In an effort to halt the Boer offensive of October 1899, Lt. General George White undertook a night march on the 30th October. Troops led by Colonel Carleton were ambushed and 800 PoWs were taken at Nicholson's Nek. Encounters at Tchrengula and Modderspruit, also known as the Battle of Farquhars Farm, followed. The British were also defeated in this battle. As a result on the 31st White finally withdrew to Ladysmith. The Boers were led by General Louis Botha.

The Boers then proceeded to surround Ladysmith and 'cut' the railway link to Durban. This town was then besieged for 118 days.General White, in command of the British forces in Ladysmith, defended the town but soon the water supply was cut off. Shortage of food and water became acute, resulting in rapid deterioration of general health conditions. This caused many deaths, mainly as a result of enteric fever. Attacks from both sides, in bids to break through each other's lines, claimed the lives of many men. The siege was finally raised on 28 February 1900 after the British forces under General Sir Redvers Buller succeeded in breaking through.

For more information on the above or the following contact Ladysmith Tourism.. A more detailed article is also available at The Siege of Ladysmith

Platrand(Wagon Hill and Caesars Camp):
It was on Platrand that the Boers made their most determined effort to capture Ladysmith. They needed to release troops to counter the British forces that were moving in from the south.

The British, however fought heroically and managed to drive the Boers away from the strategic heights of 'Platrand'.

A self-guide brochure available from the Information Office will assist you to discover the historical sites in the area, including a sculpted memorial to fallen Boers, various monuments to the British forces, gun emplacements and a military cemetery. Splendid view of the entire Siege area. - Map -

zoom One of the memorials on the site of the futile battle of Spioenkop.

Spioenkop Battlesite:
General Bullers second offensive to relieve Ladysmith commenced on the 20 of January. The plan was relieve Ladysmith on two fronts. General Sir Charles Warren was given command of 15 000 men and ordered to cross the Thukela River, 32km from Colenso and attempt to outflank the Boer defence line . Buller intended to break through the hills 8km lower down. They would then come together to relieve Ladysmith.

General Warren failed to penertrate the Boer defences on iNtabamnyama - the Rangeworthy Hills- and as a result decided to capture the highest hill in the area Spioenkop. He felt that this was the key to the Boer defence line.

Warren sent a column under General Woodgate to storm Spioenkop at night. They found that this rocky spur was almost undefended, but they failed to entrench properly. At sunrise they realised they were overlooked by Boer marksmen and 'artillery' on adjacent peaks. A fierce battle ensued, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.

At nightfall both parties believed that the other was in control and as result both withdrew from Spioenkop. However, the Boers eventually realised that the British had abandoned the hill and decided to reoccupy it.

A more detailed article is available at http://battlefields.kzn.org.za/battlefields/about/191.xml

The site offers a self-guided trail (with brochure) which winds past graves, monuments and trenches. Open daily from 6h00 - 18h00.Tel: (036) 488-1578 or Ladysmith Siege Museum at (036) 637-2992. Entrance fee.

zoom All Saints Anglican Church, Ladysmith. This church is famous for the beautiful tablets in its transept, which bear the names of more than 3000 British soldiers who gave their lives in the Siege or Relief of Ladysmith.

Monuments and Memorials

All Saints Church:
Built in 1902 from cut flagstones quarried in the area, it is renowned for the beautiful tablets in the transept, which bear the names of more than 3000 British soldiers who gave their lives in the Siege or the Relief of Ladysmith. Many priceless stained glass windows, including two depicting War and Peace. Open 08h30 - 12h00. Afternoons by prior arrangement. Tel: (036) 637-4960.

Castor and Pollux:
These twin 6.3 Howitzers, sent hastily from Port Elizabeth just prior to the investment of Ladysmith, served the town with distinction, to the extent that they engaged and damaged one of the Boer Long Toms of the Middle Hill. Not used again after the relief of the town, today they stand proudly in from of the Town Hall. Tel: (036) 637-2992.

zoom The Soofi Mosque, Ladysmith , is one of the most beautiful mosques in the southern hemisphere. It is a national monument.

Soofie Mosque:
A national monument. The Mosque obeys the decrees of Muslim canon law as it stands on the site of the original Mosque, built by the saint Hazrah Soofi Saheb. Completed in 1969. Acknowledged as one of the most beautiful Mosques in the southern hemisphere. Open 13h00-14h00 and 17h00-21h00. Tel: (036) 637-7837.

Statue of Ghandi:
Mohandas Ghandi was a stretcher bearer with General Buller's relief forces after the Siege of Ladysmith and trained some of the 1100 Indians in this dangerous task. It said that they left on the last train out of Ladysmith before the siege. Ghandi and his stretcher bearers are reported to have performed sterling work during the bloody Battle of Spioenkop. In 1993 the Hindu community in Ladysmith paid tribute to the Mahatma by celebrating the centenary of his coming to Natal. Arrange with the caretaker who will open the gates. Tel: (036) 637-7777.

zoom Statue of Ghandi, Lord Vishnu Temple, Ladysmith.

Museums

MOTH Museum:
Relics and memorabilia, uniforms, medals, flags and weaponry from various conflicts, including both World Wars and the Border War, are on display in this intriguing museum. Open 09h00 - 16h00.Tel: (036) 637-3762

Siege Museum (Murchison Street, next to Town Hall):
The building which houses the Museum was built in 1884. During the Siege it was used as ration post for civilians. A diorama depicts Ladysmith and surroundings at the time of the Siege. Artefacts, documents, uniforms, fire arms on display. Hours: Weekdays: 9h00 - 16h00, Saturdays: 9h00 - 13h00, Sundays and public holidays: by appointment only. Tel: (036) 637-2231 ext 318.

Town Hall & Town Hall Museum:
Elegant, romantic, grand - these words describe this architectural treasure. The history of the Town Hall since it was originally built in 1893 is depicted. Weekdays: 9h00 - 16h00.Tel: (036) 637-2992.

Other Cultural attractions

Architectural Route:
Ladysmith reflects different architectural periods, from Gothic and Edwardian to Indian and Renaissance. A self-guide brochure is available from the Information Office or Museums.Tel: (036) 637- 2992.

Ladysmith/Emnambithi Cultural Centre:
25 Keate Street. Houses the Ladysmith Black Mambazo Hall, with a lively display on this world-renowned group, as well as an entertaining exhibition on the Drakensberg Boys' Choir. Tel: (036) 637-2231 ext 271 Hours: Weekdays: 9h00 - 16h00, Saturdays: By prior arrangement

Siegetown Walkabout and Drive about:
This comprehensive guide is available from the Information Office of Siege Museum. Includes over 80 historically significant sites in and around Ladysmith.Tel: (036) 637-2992.

Battlefields of the Newcastle District

(The First) Transvaal War of Independence)
(MAJUBA) 1880 - 1881

When peaceful attempts by the leaders of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (Transvaal) failed to regain their independence, after the annexation of their territory by the British in 1877, the Burghers of the Transvaal finally resorted to arms.

The first action took place at Bronkhorst Spruit where a British column moving to Pretoria was stopped and badly shot up on 21st December 1880 . The Governor of Natal and Commander of the British Forces in South East Africa Gen. Sir George Pomeroy Colley scrambled a Special Field Force and marched on the Transvaal reaching FORT AMIEL at Newcastle on 20th January 1881. By the 26th his Force was at Mt Prospect facing Laing’s Nek where the Burghers under Commandant General Piet Joubert had dug in.

On 28th January the British attacked LAING’S NEK only to be repulsed with heavy losses forcing them to return to Mt Prospect. The Burghers then started to raid the British line of communication to Newcastle. To stop them Colley took out a “show of force” to clear the road and this resulted in another action at SCHUINSHOOGTE (Ingogo Heights) where the British found themselves surrounded and only managed to extract themselves in a thunderstorm after dark.

With the arrival of reinforcements Colley decided to make another attempt to break the Boer line and on the night of Saturday 26th February he occupied the summit of MAJUBA MOUNTAIN. After morning prayers the Boers launched an attack on the mountain and by 14h00 they had driven the British from their “impregnable” position inflicting some 256 casualties on them to their own 6. A quite remarkable action.

FORT AMIEL Fort Amiel was built in 1876 by Major Charles Frederick Amiel and some 200 men of the 80th Staffordshire Volunteers in the prelude to the annexation of the Transvaal and the Zulu War.

The Fort was to serve as a commissariat depot, transit camp, and hospital during the Zulu War and the Transvaal War of Independence. Constructed on a knoll overlooking the original wagon drift across the Ncandu River the Fort had a good view over the original town of Newcastle.

The Fort was sold off in 1882 and fell into disuse. During the Anglo-Boer War the knoll and all the surrounding ground was occupied by the British who again used it as a transit camp and commissariat.

Restoration only started in 1979 after the site had been declared a National Monument. The discovery of the original plans in a London Museum gave impetus to the restoration work.

Restoration work was undertaken by the Newcastle Town Council in conjunction with the Natal Museum Services. The discovery of the plans assisted greatly in establishing the uses of the various buildings and excavations on the site, revealed the foundations of the Magazine, Shell store, and R.E. Store and new buildings were built on these foundations in 1986. The last of the buildings to be completed were the Officers’ Quarters and the Cook house which were demolished brick by brick and reconstructed.

THE MILITARY CEMETERY AT MOUNT PROSPECT Mount Prospect is the site of the British camp throughout the campaign. It is also now the final resting place of Sir George Pomeroy-Colley, Governor of Natal and Commander of British Forces in South East Africa.

Majuba, where Colley lost his life on Sunday 27th February 1881 and Laing’s Nek are clearly visible from the cemetery.

Locals say that sometimes in the late evening you can see a bearded horseman riding around the old camp site or hear a lone Piper playing the lament.

THE BATTLE OF LAING’S NEK – 28TH JAUNUARY 1881 The Boers under Cmdt Gen Piet Joubert, had taken up a position from the slopes of Majuba, across the Nek and over the next two hills. Gen Sir George Pomeroy-Colley, Commander of the British Forces, decided on an attack on the left flank of the Boer line. After moving his troops up to the valley below the Nek he commenced a bombardment of the flat topped hill now known as Deane’s Hill, and with the 60th Rifles covering his left flank and the mounted troops covering the right he sent the 58th up the steep slope at the end of the hill. The Boers had built their defensive position back from the brow of the hill and were little affected by the artillery. As the 58th went up the hill they came under fire from a koppie on their right. Maj Brownlow and the mounted troops charged up the hill only to be driven off very quickly. Now on their own the 58th breasted the brow of the hill only to be faced with a further 160m of hillside before reaching the Boer fortifications. Gallantly they charged across this open ground only to be met with a hail of bullets. Suffering high casualties they finally had no option but to withdraw. As they retreated the Boers came after them but were held back by cannon fire and rifle fire from the 60th Rifles.

The British had no option but to return to their camp at Mt Prospect and await reinforcements.

The Monument to the 58th and the mass graves stand at the east end of the hill. This is on private land and it is necessary to get permission to cross the hill.

THE BATTLE OF SCHUINSHOOGTE (INGOGO HEIGHTS) – 8TH FEBRUARY 1881 After their success at Laing’s Nek the Boers started to interfere with the British lines of communication back to Newcastle. So on the 8th February Colley decided to take out a “show of force”, comprising 60th Rifles, to clear the road. At this position overlooking the Ingogo Valley he clashed with a Boer Force that soon had his troops pinned down and only the gallant action of a half company under Capt MacGregor, most of whom were killed, prevented encirclement. The action continued all afternoon until a tremendous thunderstorm broke, bringing the battle to a close. Late that night after ascertaining that the Boers had withdrawn, Colley gathered his remaining troops together along with his guns and retreated back across the Ingogo River leaving his dead and wounded on the battlefield.

The battlefield straddles the old road to Newcastle and both cemeteries can be accessed via stiles over the fences.

THE BATTLE OF MAJUBA – SUNDAY 27TH FEBRUARY 1881
By mid February reinforcements in the form of the 92nd Gordon Highlanders and the 2/60th Rifles had arrived at Mt Prospect and Gen. Colley could once again consider moves to break through the Boer lines. However as he also received instructions not to take aggressive action but to seek a negotiated settlement, he could not attack Laing’s Nek directly. His focus settled on Majuba, which he believed that the Boers left unguarded at night.

So on Saturday 26th February at 20h00 he called out his men and by 22h00, together with elements of the 92nd and the 2/60th, he set off up the side of Inkwelo Mountain then across the nek to Majuba, reaching the summit just before daybreak. Here he distributed the men around what he thought was the perimeter of the mountain only to find with daylight that there was a ridge running across the centre and that the perimeter extended a hundred yards or so to the north. Feeling that his position was so secure he merely instructed Lt Hamilton to extend his company of Highlanders to cover this ground. This meant that the spacing between the men was as much as 11 paces.

With dawn the Boers became aware of the the British presence and although there was initially some dismay it was not long before the first volunteers under Stephanus Roos and Joachim Ferreira rode over to the base of the mountain and started to make their way up. Taking their time and using the dead ground, they were able to make their way up easily.

When they had to cross areas exposed to British fire they let the older marksmen cover them while they hurried across.

Meanwhile the General decided to take a tour of the summit with his staff officers and it was while doing this that that they noticed a Boer taking aim at them but thinking the range was too far they paid little notice until Commander Romilly was fatally wounded by the Boer’s shot.

By 12h00 Ferreira and Roos’ men were ready to storm the summit. Ferreira’s men had taken up a position around a feature on the far end on of the perimeter now known as Gordon’s Knoll and with one volley they chased the defenders off. Taking up the vacated position they were able to enfilade fire into the British line while Roos gathered his men for the final assault.

Lt Hamilton aware of the situation asked the General for reinforcements on several occasions and it was only at the last minute that they were sent but even as they approached Hamilton’s position Roos’ men came up over the edge and their first volley took out most of the reserves. With their perimeter broken Hamilton and his men had no option but to retreat back over the central ridge, many of them not making it. The Boers now took cover behind the many rocks and grass on the summit and opened a heavy fire on the British position.

With their position almost surrounded British morale fell rapidly and with a cry they suddenly abandoned their position on the central ridge and fled across the hollow of the summit and over the edge from which they came, with the Boers hard on their heels. Colley turned to face the assault but was shot in the right eye and killed. The Boers fired volley after volley into the fleeing British and it is here that the majority of casualties occurred.

Of the roughly 400 men that the British took to the top almost 250 were killed, wounded, or captured. The Boers suffered 2 dead and 4 wounded. A quite remarkable victory.

O,NEILL’S COTTAGE
For 21 days in March 1881, twelve men that included such famous names as Paul Kruger, President Brand, Piet Joubert, Marthinus Pretorius, and Col. Sir Evelyn Wood sat round the table in the tiny front room of this little cottage, formerly known as Rosedale, and thrashed out the Peace Treaty that enabled the British to cross the Nek and for the Burghers of the Transvaal to regain their Independence.

Its’ grounds also served as a temporary medical station for the British wounded after the Battle of Majuba and there are a number of mass graves in the grounds.

Please contact Ladysmith Tourism. for more information on the cultural attractions of this fascinating town.

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